Share this:

Last Jan. 21, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. (SMLEI) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) signed a three-year partnership allowing local independent films and other FDCP programs to be screened in commercial movie theaters.

In recent years, people have used the terms “indie” and “mainstream” to classify certain films based on their quality. But that isn’t always the case. The main difference between the two lies in the scale of the production. While indie productions have a smaller team and budget, mainstream productions have the manpower and monetary support from studios or other financiers. Because of this, mainstream productions have a better shot at distributing their films on a larger scale. This is why this partnership is important. Having SM Cinema support indie films allows independent filmmakers to reach a wider audience.

Eight dedicated theaters will be showing these films nationwide. Participating branches include SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, SM Iloilo, SM Southmall, SM Cebu, SM Bacoor and SM Mall of Asia (SM Davao or SM Lanang). The ticket prices will also be made more affordable to ensure more people will be able to watch. At the moment, FDCP and SM Cinemas have yet to disclose what films will be shown. Hopefully, they do another run of our faves like 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, Baka Bukas, and Sunday Beauty Queen. *fingers crossed*

According to a statement by the Chairman of the FDCP Liza Dino, “There is indeed a need to nurture and support them by giving their films more exposure, more venues to reach more people. It will also give the independent producers a platform to learn how to market, to promote, and to distribute their films.” Let’s hope that’s this time, no one will stand in the way.